Postings from Germany

Open House

Once a year, Germany opens the doors to its historical buildings, all free, many not normally open to the public.  Yesterday was the day.  Since Sunday is still recognized as a day off, a day that obvious labor is frowned upon, I couldn't continue painting the exterior window frames, or hang out the wash, or do any hedge trimming or such, so we opted to take a bike ride after our late breakfast and check out a couple of the buildings open here in our neck of the woods. 

We went first to the Haus Seefahrt, a private group made up of sea captains and others who operate a home here for retired ship captains or their widows and sponsor a traditional yearly dinner in the city - since the mid 1500s or so. The gate was transfered here from its original site in Bremen after WWII and ties the more modern buildings to its much longer history.  In their meeting room the original coats of arms of all the board chairmen are displayed - a lot of history in a very small space.

The gardens are lovely and well-cared for.  This classicized statue represents "Brema" - our city!  Cute hat.

Next, off to Lesum.  Outside the church, there's a statue of Lady Emma of Lesum, traditionally credited with donating the grounds of the city park for the use of the citizens - our Bürger Park.  The church was open and walking the grounds of the old cemetery gave us a moment of reflection.

But not for too long - we had one more stop - St. Michels in Grohn, just around the corner from us.  This church is not so old - not even as old as our house - but we listen to the bells every Sunday and Saturday and today there was an organ concert.  Quite unusual - all the pieces were written by the performer.  He had an enthusiastic audience!

And to home. And to dinner. 

It's wild mushroom season and we were able to get some at the market on Saturday, hand-picked in the woods. W I L D. 

You can't be complicated with these wild things.  Clean them up, fry up some chopped smoked bacon.  Sear the mushrooms in the fat and add some cream.  Pour over hot Spätzle (German pasta, a bit heartier than the Italian sort) and savor, slowly.  It's another seasonal pleasure and worthy of its own historical designation.

And here - it's a sign!  A sign of what, I am not sure, but there was a pelican noodle on the plate.  Humm.  Interpretations, anyone?